Broccoli Quesadilla
A vibrant and flavorful broccoli quesadilla packed with fresh vegetables, spices, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick, nutritious vegetarian meal or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli ⓘ
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 6 cherry tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1/4 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. salsa ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 c. nonfat yogurt ⓘ
Instructions
- Steam, boil, or microwave the broccoli until crisp-tender. Coarsely chop and set aside.
- In a large nonstick frypan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped red onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and ground cinnamon; cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped broccoli, minced jalapeno peppers, and quartered cherry tomatoes.
- Stir well and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the minced cilantro, if using.
- Place a tortilla in a heated skillet, spread a portion of the broccoli mixture on half, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then fold over.
- Cook until the tortilla is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve warm with salsa and a dollop of nonfat yogurt.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or swapping out the jalapenos for serrano peppers. If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to use Cheddar or Pepper Jack instead of Mozzarella. To save time, you can use pre-chopped broccoli or frozen broccoli florets. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly for frozen ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious quesadillas pair beautifully with salsa and a dollop of nonfat yogurt for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve with a side of guacamole or a light salad. You could also consider serving them alongside Tressia'S Tamale Pie for a fun Mexican-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Quesadilla contains roughly 587 calories, with 27g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (487% of the Daily Value), iron (185% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 40g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply assemble and cook the quesadillas when you're ready to serve. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas. For a lower-carb version, consider using large lettuce leaves to wrap the filling instead. Each option will give a slightly different texture but still be delicious.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more jalapeno peppers or include some diced habanero peppers. Additionally, try incorporating a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or using a spicier salsa. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference for the perfect kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).